Musing about ‘tenses’
Another critical difference between Chinese and English is the fact that Chinese language does not use verb ‘tenses’ the way we do in English. [When you read the word ‘tense’ think about ‘relationship to time’.] I was puzzled by this until I discussed it with a Chinese friend and then I came to understand. In Chinese the ‘time’ related word [such as today; yesterday; this afternoon; in two days and so on] are placed BEFORE [in front of] the verb. As a result the listener or reader already knows what the time frame is BEFORE hearing or reading the verb. Hence, the absence of ‘tense’ for the verbs. Perhaps if I could go back in time I would change English syntax [the arrangement of the words and phrases within a sentence] and have it become the same as Chinese. Unfortunately I don’t have these magical powers[yet]!As a reminder of something you learned some time ago and probably don’t give a lot of thought to today have a look at http://www.englishclub.com/esl-lesson-plans/worksheet-grammar-future.htm . What is required is for you to consciously practice THINKING about the sense of time BEFORE you either write or speak in English. If you do this with ‘intention’ [the desire to improve] this habit will become automatic [controlled by your subconscious] in no time at all and you will find yourself producing much better quality English. Give it a dedicated effort and let me know how it works.
This is John, trying to make sense out of English in order to help you improve.